Bored Pile Installation (CFA)

CFA (Continuous Flight Auger) piling involves drilling into the ground with a hollow-stemmed auger while injecting concrete on withdrawal.
CFA rigs are large, heavy machines that require a designed and approved piling platform to operate safely.
Concrete is pumped under pressure through the auger stem during extraction — the pipeline and pump create pressure hazards.
Reinforcement cages are installed into the fresh concrete immediately after the auger is withdrawn from the pile bore.
Spoil from the auger flights accumulates rapidly around the rig and must be cleared regularly to maintain safe access.
The piling rig must be level and stable throughout the boring and concreting cycle to produce a structurally sound pile.
Noise levels from CFA rigs are high — hearing protection zones must be established and maintained around the operation.
Concrete delivery wagons accessing the pump require banksman control to prevent collision with the rig and workforce.
Buried services along the pile line must be located and confirmed clear before any auger penetrates the ground.
Only trained, competent CFA rig operators with valid CPCS or equivalent certification may carry out piling operations.

Rig stability	A CFA rig overturning during boring or lifting a cage causes catastrophic crushing injuries — the piling platform is the foundation of safety.
Pressure hazards	Concrete pumped under high pressure through the auger stem can cause explosive pipeline failures if not properly controlled.
Spoil management	Auger spoil accumulates rapidly and creates trip hazards, buries services, and destabilises the rig if not cleared continuously.

Do

Don't

Confirm the piling platform is designed, approved, and adequate before the rig arrives.
Scan for and confirm the absence of buried services along the pile line before boring.
Ensure the rig is level and stable before starting each pile bore.
Maintain exclusion zones around the operating rig and concrete pump at all times.
Clear auger spoil regularly to maintain safe access and rig stability.
Use a banksman to guide concrete wagons approaching the pump and rig area.
Install reinforcement cages into wet concrete immediately using the approved method.
Wear hearing protection within the designated noise zone around the piling rig.
Follow the concrete pump pressure procedures and maintain pipeline integrity.
Hold valid CPCS or equivalent certification before operating the CFA piling rig.

DON'T allow a CFA rig onto an unapproved or inadequately constructed piling platform.
DON'T bore piles without confirming buried services are clear along the pile line.
DON'T operate the rig on an unlevel or unstable surface — reposition before boring.
DON'T enter the exclusion zone around the rig or pump during piling operations.
DON'T let spoil accumulate around the rig — clear it continuously during boring.
DON'T allow concrete wagons near the rig without banksman control.
DON'T delay cage installation — reinforcement must be placed while concrete is fresh.
DON'T work near the CFA rig without hearing protection in the noise zone.
DON'T ignore pump pressure readings — abnormal values indicate a blockage or failure.
DON'T operate a CFA rig without the required CPCS or equivalent competency card.

See also: Piling Safety Awareness | Piling Platform Requirements

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